TINUBU’S ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY GAINS MOMENTUM AS NIGERIA, EQUATORIAL GUINEA SIGN DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE PACT

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic diplomacy drive is boosting investor confidence, stimulating economic growth, and opening new opportunities for Nigerian businesses across Africa.

Tuggar described the policy thrust as central to Nigeria’s expanding role in regional economic engagement, noting that it is already yielding tangible results.

The minister made the remarks in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, during the signing of an agreement for the development of telecommunications infrastructure to serve Equatorial Guinea and strengthen regional digital connectivity.

The project, which focuses on the deployment of a subsea fibre-optic cable, is aimed at improving broadband capacity, enhancing digital communications, and strengthening cybersecurity cooperation within the region.

In a statement issued by Mr. Alkasim Abdulkadir, Special Assistant on Media and Communication Strategy, Tuggar explained that the initiative is a direct outcome of President Tinubu’s official visit to Equatorial Guinea in August 2024, during which several bilateral agreements were reached.

According to him, the telecommunications infrastructure project represents a concrete implementation of those commitments and reflects Nigeria’s resolve to deepen economic and digital integration across Africa.

The agreement was signed on behalf of Backbone Connectivity Network Nigeria Ltd (BCN) by Alhaji Ibrahim Dikko, while Equatorial Guinea’s Minister of Transport, Telecommunications and Artificial Intelligence Systems, Honorato Evita Oma, signed for his country.

The signing was supervised by Equatorial Guinea’s First Deputy Prime Minister, Gaudencio Mohaba Messu, and witnessed by senior government officials from both Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.

The project, the minister noted, underscores the growing momentum toward regional connectivity, technology-driven development, and enhanced cooperation between African nations, in line with President Tinubu’s economic diplomacy agenda.